From Project SUCCESS Alumni:
"You were a great role model in my young life, lending me strength and offering me foresight to push past a dark legacy"..."all those hours of tutoring ACT, discussing Guthrie shows, and participating in college tours were not in vain. Those activities were instrumental in my young life, inspiring me to dream big and reach far. You took a risk, believed in me, and ultimately gave me the motivation and confidence to grow into the person I'm so happy to be today."
- North High School and University of Minnesota Graduate Read the more of the e-mail to Adrienne Diercks, Executive Director, here.
"Their ability to believe in me transferred into the ability to believe in myself. Not only did I have the time of my life testing my capacity to act, sing, dance and perform, but I gained self-confidence and still apply skills that I learned in those three years every day. My Project SUCCESS story about confidence and dream-making is not unique. I have witnessed the inspiring work that they have done, and continue to do, for so many other students."
- Anwatin Middle School and Southwest High School Graduate, and University of Minnesota Student
"When I first entered high school, I hated school, actually got an F and had no intention of going to college whatsoever. I thought because my parents were so poor, and nobody had been to college before, that I couldn't even get in. When I received an F in math, I told one of the Project SUCCESS leaders, and she helped me raise my grade the following semester. From then on, I received A's in high school. You guys seriously made me feel like I could do anything I wanted. "
- North High School Graduate and University of Minnesota Student
From Our Community Partners:
"Project SUCCESS is the most innovative and exciting education project in the country, indeed, in the world."
-Joe Dowling, Director
Guthrie Theater
“Project SUCCESS brings resources to our District and community that are of tremendous value. Project SUCCESS has been successful in teaching life skills and providing globally relevant experiences through theater arts exposure for not only students, but their families. They encourage and inspire our youth to reach for their dreams and devise a realistic plan to attaining these. We are deeply grateful to have Project SUCCESS in our schools and support them in efforts to grow and serve more students in Saint Paul.”
-Denise Quinlan, Secondary Assistant Superintendent
Saint Paul Public Schools
“Project SUCCESS has been a critical link in our efforts to nurture the talents of Minneapolis’ next generation. Their long record of success, innovation and compassion has yielded great results that are seen in the corridors of our schools and neighborhoods of our city every day. Project SUCCESS is an exceptional partner to me in my work and I strongly encourage everyone to give them their support.”
-R.T. Rybak, Current Mayor
City of Minneapolis
"I believe that in order for students to be successful, they need an adult who believes in them and an adult with whom they can connect. Through the musical, Project SUCCESS provides hundreds of opportunities for students to connect with adults who care. The students of Anwatin are better off because of Project SUCCESS. I am a better teacher because of Project SUCCESS. I love that my students have exposure to caring people and great theater experiences and I fully support Project SUCCESS and their work.
-Sarah Walquist, Teacher
Anwatin Middle School
"Project SUCCESS makes the classroom a place dedicated to the visions and futures of children in ways it is difficult for a teacher alone to accomplish. This is the aspect I am most thankful for...a service I never allowed myself to anticipate because it is so ideal, so perfectly aligned with the needs of our children."
-George Roberts, Former English Teacher
North High School, Minneapolis
"Our students, many of whom are at risk of failure, need much more goal-oriented counseling than schools can normally provide. We have only one school counselor for 420 kids. The theater and standards-based aspect of the workshops will be valuable, but equally important is the component that gets kids focused on knowing what their own goals are, and how to move ahead to reach them."
-Mary Williams, Principal
Humboldt Junior High
"Project SUCCESS delivers on its promises of providing equal access to services for all students and families at Washington. Through Project SUCCESS, our very diverse group of students has enjoyed increased school success by having increased motivation to do well in school. A major part of our School Continuous Improvement Plan is to engage students and their families academically. Project SUCCESS has provided major assistance in that goal and the results have been demonstrated by higher student achievement and more engaged families."
-Dr. Mike McCollor, Principal
Washington Technology Magnet, Saint Paul
"My students look forward to the workshops every month. They get excited just seeing Ms. Reuben in the halls. She makes them think about things they have never thought about before. She challenges them, and pushes them to take risks. Overall, Washington is extremely fortunate to have Project SUCCESS. I only hope other schools will receive the same programs, and that we may be involved in Project SUCCESS for years to come."
-Suzie Myhre, Language Arts Teacher Washington Technology Magnet, Saint Paul
"Project SUCCESS is filling a void in the lives of young people, a serious void that must be filled in order that our students can look forward to meaningful, productive lives."
-Cheryl Creecy, Former Deputy Superintendent
Minneapolis Public Schools
"I am absolutely delighted to have the privilege of welcoming thousands of Project SUCCESS students and their families to the Guthrie each year. It is especially gratifying for me personally to know and to trust that the experiences these students have at the Guthrie become the seed for their own imaginations to take over – and are put to use for thoughtful and careful planning of their own lives."
-Sheila Livingston, Director of Artistic Relations
Guthrie Theater
From A Volunteer:
"Being a volunteer for Project Success is one of the most satisfying volunteer opportunities for me. I like connecting with students during the drive to events and sitting with them. Sometimes it is just one or two students, sometimes it is a whole family. It has been interesting to meet students/families of various nationalities and cultures. We are all part of the North-side Mpls neighborhood, so it is good to meet the kids who will be tomorrow’s adults in my area. I try to bring a positive experience into their lives, sitting with an me as an adult, having conversation, and sometimes seeing them dressing up for a special play or event. I have to say I have been quite by surprised by each and every student I have met. I think they are going to be quiet, or bored...... yet every time I see them enjoy something 'new', and they open up we have some wonderful conversations. They are as surprised by me as I am by them. Project Success is something special in ALL our lives."
- Lynne Young, Volunteer driver for over 4 years
From Our Students:
"Project SUCCESS helped me really figure out my dreams and how to achieve them."
"I went from C's to B's."
"It helped me feel better about myself."
"They taught me to let my voice be heard."
"Project SUCCESS incorporated important information with really fun activities. I looked forward to Project SUCCESS days."
"Project SUCCESS helped me feel like I could do what I wanted to and made me feel a lot better about college."
"Project SUCCESS was the first 'group of people' that made me put my goals on paper and made them a lot more realistic for me."
"I enjoyed the books for looking at careers. That really motivated me."
"I actually took it into my own hands and changed my future."
"It's fun, informational, and gives us a chance to make our own decisions for our future."
"It helps you out and gets you ready, not scared...ready to go."
"Project SUCCESS helped me focus on my goals and stay with it."
"Project SUCCESS helped me to not feel so overwhelmed and know I can get it all done."
"Project SUCCESS inspired me to research colleges, where I first heard of St. Thomas, where they took me on a tour, where I was accepted. They helped and encouraged me to find scholarships; I will now be attending St. Thomas for free because of the City of Minneapolis scholarship."
"Project SUCCESS believes in me."
"Project SUCCESS taught me everything I know."
"Project SUCCESS showed me that in order to survive I need an education."
"Project SUCCESS opened me to new possibilities."
"Project SUCCESS helped me by doing activities to help me set my mind to do my dream."
"What I like about Project SUCCESS are the class activities, which are really fun and I have a great time."
"What I like best about Project SUCCESS is when we play games and learn more about yourself and other people from different cultures."
"Project SUCCESS helped me set goals and inspire me to reach them."
"Project SUCCESS said never give up on your dreams."
"Project SUCCESS helped me to get along with others better."
